Late engagement

WHERE IS MY HUSBAND? *They lived in different towns.* *That was the problem.* *Y/N was in one city, recording her next album.* *Michael was hours away, working on his own music.* *They talked almost every night.* *But apparently, that wasn't enough for Y/N.* *Because at 1:13 A.M., she opened her notebook and wrote:* WHERE IS MY HUSBAND? *Underneath, she wrote:* «He's somewhere writing another love song, probably pretending he's too busy to call. He has a telephone. He has my number. He has absolutely no excuse.» *Mannon stared at it.* “Perfect.” *She added another line:* «If he doesn't visit soon, I'm marrying the pizza delivery guy.» *She paused.* “…No. Michael would get jealous.” *She crossed it out.* --- *MEANWHILE — MICHAEL'S TOWN* *Michael sat at his piano with a notebook open.* *The page read:* *MANNON — NEW SONG* *He wrote:* «Different streets, different nights, but somehow she's still on my mind.» *He stopped.* *Then wrote another:* «I hear her voice through the telephone, and suddenly this house doesn't feel so empty.» *He smiled.* *Then his phone rang.* *It was Y/N* *He answered.* “Hello?” “Hi.” “You sound tired.” “I am.” “Did you sleep?” “No.” “Why?” “I was writing.” *Michael smiled.* “Another song about me?” “No.” *A pause.* “…Maybe.” *He laughed.* “What is it called?” *She hesitated.* “Nothing.” “Mannon.” “Okay. Fine.” *She sighed dramatically.* “Where Is My Husband?” *Michael leaned back in his chair.* “That's your third song about me this month.” “Then maybe you should give me less material.” “What does that mean?” “It means you live in another town.” “I know.” “And you're taking forever to come see me.” “I know.” “And—” “Y/n.” “What?” “I miss you too.” *Silence.* *Then she quietly said:* “…Oh.” *Michael smiled.* “Got you.” “Don't get smug.” “Too late.” --- *THE NEXT MORNING* *Mannon's notebook:* TRACKLIST 1. Where Is My Husband? 2. Don't Make Me Wait 3. Telephone Romance 4. You Live Too Far Away 5. Hurry Up 6. Stop Being So Cute 7. This Is Your Fault 8. Midnight Train 9. Call Me Back 10. Finally *She stared at number ten.* “That's optimistic.” --- MICHAEL'S NOTEBOOK *His list was much less obvious.* Possible songs: “Human Nature” “Remember the Time” “You Rock My World” “The Way You Make Me Feel” “Y/N.” *He stared at the last one.* *Then wrote underneath:* «She thinks I'm taking too long.» *He smiled.* «She's right.» *Then another line:* «But when I finally arrive, I'm not coming just to stay for an evening.» *He closed the notebook.* *Picked up his phone.* *Called her.* *You answered immediately.* “Hello?” “Pack a bag.” *Silence.* “What?” “I'm coming.” “When?” “Tonight.” “You're joking.” “No.” “You actually are?” *Michael laughed.* “Yes.” *Y/N practically shouted:* “FINALLY!” *Michael pulled the phone away from his ear.* “That's going in the song, isn't it?” “Yes.” “Of course it is.” --- *Y/N'S FINAL VERSION* *She sat down and wrote the chorus.* «WHERE IS MY HUSBAND? He's somewhere far away, probably writing songs instead of getting on a train. I've waited all night, I've waited all day, and if he doesn't show up soon, I'm charging him rent for living in my brain.» *She looked at it. Then laughed.* “That's the one.” *Across town, Michael received a message from her.* Y/N: I wrote your song. Michael: My song? Y/N: Yes. Michael: Should I be worried? Y/N: Very. *He smiled at the screen.* *Then typed:* Michael: Good. *And for the first time in months, the distance between their towns suddenly didn't seem quite so far.*